Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds are the two games in the series that are the most alike, even though there are still a lot of differences between them. Monster Hunter Wilds added a lot of new features, like Wounds and Seikrets, but the two projects are still very close in terms of their world structure. The big differences lie in Monster Hunter Rise, which tried to shake up the series’ formula considerably, and almost none of its mechanics made their way into Monster Hunter Wilds.
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Some fans appreciate that because they may not have clicked with Monster Hunter Rise as much as they did Monster Hunter World. After all, the game was designed for the Switch, which was a lesser console than the PS4 and Xbox One at the time. So, while these mechanics may not be for every fan, some would like to see them return in an update for Monster Hunter Wilds.
Palamutes As A Mount
That’s A Good Ninja Doggy
Palamutes were the first mounts introduced as permanent companions in Monster Hunter Rise. Like Palicos, players could customize their Palamute to their liking to make this gamified pooch ferocious or adorable. Players could even gain multiple Palamutes to take on missions instead of having one Palico and one Palamute.
The choice was ultimately up to the player, and they could likewise take two Palicos on the mission instead. That combo wouldn’t make much sense though, because they can’t be mounted. While the Seikrets are useful in Monster Hunter Wilds, it’s hard not to think how much more enjoyable a Palamute would be as a mountable option in the game.
Meowcenaries
Send Your Pals On Missions
Palamutes and Palicos had more of a presence in Monster Hunter Rise thanks to the Meowcenary system. Players could send out a pack of furry allies on missions to gather rare items which would also level them up. It was a similar practice that was utilized heavily in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, which may have been an inspiration.
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While on side quests, these animals couldn’t go on main missions, which is why the game allowed players to recruit spares. Monster Hunter Rise was the most animal-heavy entry in the series, which is why many fans and newbies fell in love with it. Divorced from Palamutes making it into Monster Hunter Wilds or not, the ability to at least send Palicos on side quests would be useful for gathering items, even though there are already NPCs that do that.
Wirebugs
Scale With Ease
Players can climb around in Monster Hunter Wilds via vines or, more importantly, their Seikrets can scale things faster. Players can also use their grappling hooks to swing around certain locations, typically in areas where a boss fight may occur. For example, Monster Hunter Wilds’ Scarlet Forest, one of the battlegrounds for Uth Duna has bugs hanging around so that players can avoid Uth Duna’s big waves of water.
All of these things are great, but Monster Hunter Rise has a more freeing movement system via Wirebugs. Players were given a set amount of Wirebugs for a mission which would increase over time and there were temporary boosts during missions too. Players could use Wirebugs to dash along the ground or climb areas to access secrets or to get away from safety. Once players got used to the mechanics, they were a lot of fun and should return.
Wyvern Riding
Making Monsters Fight Kaiju-style
Wirebugs had one other use in Monster Hunter Wilds called Wyvern Riding. This mechanic was not exclusive to dragon-like enemies, including Rathalos; instead, players had a chance when they jumped on a monster to directly control them for a short period.
This was opportunistic when there were other big monsters around. It was a good way to deal a lot of damage quickly, but not every monster could be mounted and controlled. There is a mounting system present in Monster Hunter Wilds already that helps open Wounds. Would it be that hard to add Wyvern Riding to this mounting system?
Rampage
A Basic Tower Defense
Once players reach the higher tiers of Monster Hunter Wilds, villages can call upon Hunters to protect them from invading monsters. This was done to add more side quests that launched over time automatically. Not defending a village will not do any damage, so the stakes are relatively low.
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The opposite is true in Monster Hunter Rise, as there was a village invasion mode called Rampage. Players would take on these missions, and they could arm entranceways to a village with traps to stop monsters from invading. They may have to fight several monsters to defend the town, and that sort of nail-biting thrill ride would be better utilized in Monster Hunter Wilds than the current faux invasion system.
Bring On The DLC
Mine The Depths Of Capcom History
The one thing fans are most excited about seeing in Monster Hunter Wilds is the optional crossover content with other franchises, whether they belong to Capcom or not. The series has always been good at crossover updates or DLC, with Monster Hunter Rise being a prime example. Players could get a Sonic the Hedgheog costume, as one example.
Okami, Mega Man, and Street Fighter were all contributions from Capcom. What will Monster Hunter Wilds get? Hopefully, Capcom will keep releasing free updates and include costumes, event missions, and new monsters to keep the game alive. Maybe fans can even hope to see a Switch 2 port by the end of the year.
- Released
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February 28, 2025
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Engine
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RE Engine
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor
- Steam Deck Compatibility
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Unknown
- X|S Optimized
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Yes
- Number of Players
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1
- OpenCritic Rating
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Mighty
- Cross Save
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No
- Cross-Platform Play
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Yes, all platforms
- PC Release Date
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February 28, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
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February 28, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
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February 28, 2025
